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Important Information About Ekadasi and Other Fasting Days

UTPANNA EKADASI

According to the Bhavisya Uttara Purana, Utpanna Ekadasi appeared from the transcendental body of the Lord while He was taking rest. The Lord had a fight with a powerful demon named Mura, who wanted to kill the Lord. After a long fight, the Lord tired and left to take rest in a cave. Mura followed the Lord to the cave to kill the Lord while at rest. At that time a female personality appeared from the transcendental body of the Lord and killed the demon. When the Lord found that the demon was killed by the female, He offered her a boon. To this the female asked, "Anyone who fasts on my appearance day should receive liberation from this material world." She had appeared from the Lord's body on the eleventh day of the month, that is why her name became "Ekadasi." The complete detail of this Ekadasi can be read in the book named "Ekadasi, The Day of Lord Hari," written by the His Holiness Krsna Balaram Swami.

IMPORTANT QUOTES

Another name of Ekadasi is Harivasara, meaning "The day of Lord Hari." Actually fasting on the Ekadasi day means fasting from all categories of eatables and drinks. But in this jet age, people eat foods that are grown with chemicals. That is why sages have subsidized the fasting on Ekadasi with moderate acceptance of non-grain eatables on the Ekadasi day. As it is confirmed by Srila Vyasadeva in the Mahabharata Udyama Parva thus:

"The eight following exceptions do not break one's fast: drinking water, eating potatoes, sweet potatoes, drinking milk, eating yogurt, eating butter, eating things by the request of a traditionally authentic Brahmana following the orders of a Vedicly authorized Guru, and consuming the prescribed medicines."

According to the Padma Purana, sin personified (Papa-purusha) was told by the Lord to live in food grains on the Ekadasi day. Sin personified retracts himself from all other places and enters into grains on the Ekadasi day. When a person eats grains on the Ekadasi day, he solemnly consumes sins. There are twenty four (two extra for leap year) Ekadasis in a year and each has a specific name. Anyone who performs Ekadasi following the instructions of a scripturally authorized Guru enters into the spiritual kingdom of the Lord.

(The Sanskrit verses of the above quotes are available upon request.)

MOKSADA EKADASI

The history of Moksada Ekadasi is quoted from the Brahmanda Purana. Lord Krsna narrated the history about the discussion between King Vaikhanasa and Parvata Muni, that took place in the age of Satyayuga. King Vaikhanasa's father had fallen to hell for having sex with his wife while she was passing through her menstrual period. As a remedy, Parvata Muni advised the king to perform the Moksada Ekadasi fast, so his father could be delivered from hell. The complete details of this Ekadasi can be read in the book named "Ekadasi, The Day of Lord Hari," written His Holiness Krsna Balaram Swami.

IMPORTANT QUOTES

Human beings have been given the responsibility of pleasing the Supreme Lord. When the Lord becomes pleased, He in turn rewards liberation to the soul. The formulas to please the Lord are stated in the Vedic scriptures. One of the remedies to please the Lord is performing the Ekadasi fast. According to the Padma Purana, the Lord says, "Ekadasi day is very dear to Me. In all circumstance eating normal food on Ekadasi is forbidden for all human beings." The Agni Purana states, "Ekadasi day is very dear to the Supreme Lord Sri Hari, that is why eating food that includes grains or beans on this day is forbidden for all human beings, in order to receive the Lord's blessings." The Brhan Naradiya Purana states, "It does not matter what category of special birth one has, either born as a Brahmana, Ksyatriya, Vaisya, Sudra, Mleccha or Yavana, male or female, everyone must perform the Ekadasi fast."

(The Sanskrit verses of the above quotes are available upon request.)

SAPHALA EKADASI

The history of Saphala Ekadasi is found in the Bhavisya-uttara Purana. Lord Krsna tells Yudhisthira the history of Prince Lumpaka who fell into material consciousness and preformed sinful deeds, but was elevated to the stage of pure consciousness by the observance of Saphala Ekadasi. The complete details of this Ekadasi can be read in the our book entitled, "Ekadasi, The Day of Lord Hari," written by His Holiness Krsna Balaram Swamiji.

IMPORTANT QUOTES

One may ask, up till what age one must follow the Ekadasi fast? The answer to this is found in the Agni Purana where it states, "As long as one is alive one must fast on Ekadasi - or until the age of 80, minimum." One may then ask, "Why is eating normal food forbidden on Ekadasi?" The answer is found in the Naradiya Purana where it states, "All categories of sins live in food grains on the Ekadasi day, anyone who eats them becomes filled with sins."

(The Sanskrit verses of the above quotes are available upon request.)

PUTRADA EKADASI

The history of Putrada Ekadasi is found in the Bhavisya Purana. Lord Krsna narrates the history where King Suketuman asks Visvedevas how to remedy his problems. Visvedevas replied that if he observed Putrada Ekadasi, his problems will be solved. The complete detail of this Ekadasi can be read in our book named "Ekadasi, The Day of Lord Hari," written His Holiness Krsna Balaram Swami.

IMPORTANT QUOTES

All material and spiritual problems can be solved if one seriously observes the Ekadasi fast. As long as one is filled with sin, no solutions to one's real problems can be reached. Therefore one must first try to become free from sins.

The Padma Purana states, "Once Papapurusha (sin personified) reached the Lord and asked Him for a place where he could live." To this the Lord replied, "O Sin Personified, You can live in food grains on the Ekadasi day, anyone who eats grains on Ekadasi will eat sin only." One may ask, what about eating Mahaprasad (eatables offered to the Deity of the Lord) on the Ekadasi day? The answer to this question is found in the Narada Pancharatra where it states, "If Mahaprasad includes grains, it should be kept for the next day."

(The Sanskrit verses of the above quotes are available upon request.)

SAT-TILA EKADASI

The history of Sat-tila Ekadasi is mentioned in the Bhavisya-uttara Purana where Pulastya Muni tells Dalabhya Muni how Lord Krsna took the form of a mendicant and went to ask for some eatables from an austere lady. It is mentioned how she dealt with the Mendicant and what result she received in her next life. The complete details of this Ekadasi can be read in our book entitled, "Ekadasi, The Day of Lord Hari," written by Mahant Krsna Balaram Swami.

IMPORTANT QUOTES

The Brahma Vaivarta Purana states, "Sins cannot be mitigated by more sinning. All categories of sins reside in food grains on the Ekadasi day. Therefore, any person, even if pious, who eats regular food on Ekadasi day becomes filled with sins." The Visnu Dharmottara states, "In each morsel of regular food eaten by anyone on Ekadasi day, the person receives the equal amount of sin of eating cow's meat. There is no atonement for those who eat regular food on Ekadasi." The Gautamiya Tantra states, "Those who eat regular food on Ekadasi will degrade themselves."

One should be very careful how one deals with a traditional devotee. The consequences of offending a serious devotee offends the Supreme Lord. The scriptures state, "Just as one can tolerate scorching heat upon one's head, but cannot tolerate scorching heat underneath one's bare feet, similarly a devotee may forgive offenses committed to him, but the Lord does not forgive offenses committed against His serious devotee who worships His Lotus feet."

(The Sanskrit verses of the above quotes are available upon request.)

JAYA EKADASI

The history of Jaya Ekadasi is found in the Bhavisya Purana where Lord Krsna tells Yudhisthira how Malyavan, the famous celestial singer, was cursed by Indra to become a hobgoblin. While singing in the assembly of Indra, Malyavan became lustfully attracted to Puspavati, which disturbed the assembly. Thus being cursed by Indra, both Malyavan and Puspavati fell from heaven and suffered on earth until they performed the Jaya Ekadasi fast. This history indicates if Jaya Ekadasi is followed properly, one can become free from all categories of curses. The complete details of this Ekadasi can be read in our book entitled, "Ekadasi, The Day of Lord Hari," written by the His Holiness Krsna Balaram Swamiji.

IMPORTANT QUOTES

The Visnu Dharmottra states that "anyone who suggests that normal food can be eaten on Ekadasi, or that nothing happens to a person by eating regular food on Ekadasi, become ghosts after their death."

One must be very cautious for hypocrites while on the devotional path. Even if a person unknowingly guides one on the wrong path, his direction should be avoided as much as a hypocrite, as both will misrepresent the scriptures. They create the illusion that staunch followers of the Vedic Scriptures are zealots, thereby justifying their compromised adherence to the scriptures. Through cunning words, they attempt to make the true purport of the scriptures appear incorrect, and try to instill a meaning more convenient that meets their own lifestyle. In finality both reach the destination for misleading innocent people, hell. Therefore it cannot be stressed too often that to find a authentic Guru cannot be compromised. A guideline to find a bona-fide guru can be found in our book entitled, "The Guru Nirnaya Dipika, Who Can Become Guru and Who Cannot."

(The Sanskrit verses of the above quotes are available upon request.)

VIJAYA EKADASI

The history of Vijaya Ekadasi is found in the Skanda Purana, where Lord Krsna reveals how His fasting on Vijaya Ekadasi, in His incarnation as Lord Rama, enabled Him to cross the Indian Ocean and defeat the undefeatable Ravana. This Ekadasi indicates that no matter how big a danger one has ahead of him, it can be mitigated by observance of the Vijaya Ekadasi fast. The complete details of this Ekadasi can be read in our book entitled, "Ekadasi, The Day of Lord Hari," written by His Holiness Krsna Balaram Swami.

IMPORTANT QUOTES

The Narada Purana, the Padma Purana and the Agni Puranas state, "Everyone, including Gurus, Acharya, Sanyasis, Grahasthis, widows and the contaminated woman with her menstrual period, must not eat food grains on the Ekadasi day. Undoubtedly everyone must fast from food grains on the Ekadasi day."

(The Sanskrit verses of the above quotes are available upon request.)

AMALAKI EKADASI

The history of Amalaki Ekadasi is mentioned in the Brahmanda Purana, where Vasistha Muni states to King Mandhata about how King Vasuratha observed the Ekadasi fast properly and was saved from his previous enemies. This history indicates that devotional life has to be free from disturbance from enemies. The complete details of this Ekadasi can be read in our book entitled,"Ekadasi, The Day of Lord Hari," written by His Holiness Krsna Balaram Swami.

IMPORTANT QUOTES

One may ask what is the minimum age and the maximum age for fasting on Ekadasi? The answer to this can be found in the Katyayana Smruti where it states, "Beginning from the age of eight till one completes the age of eighty, he or she must fast on Ekadasi." The Naradiya Purana states, "The authority of observing Ekadasi is given to those who have entered their age of eight and continue till they reached the age of eighty. Everyone must perform Ekadasi."

(The Sanskrit verses of the above quotes are available upon request.)

PAPAMOCHANI EKADASI

The history of Papamochani Ekadasi is mentioned in the Bhavisya Uttara Purana where Lomasa Rishi narrated the history to King Mandhata. In the history, a young sage named Medhavi became attracted to a beautiful celestial girl named Manjughosa,. and broke his spiritual vow of celibacy with her. After realizing his mistake, he observed Papamochani Ekadasi, and regained his pure state again. This Ekadasi indicates that every trouble can be solved on the spiritual path, provided one is serious in the following. The complete details of this Ekadasi can be read in the our book entitled "Ekadasi, The Day of Lord Hari," written by His Holiness Mahant Krsna Balaram Swamiji.

IMPORTANT QUOTES

One may question if the Ekadasi fast is only for Vaisnavas, or intended for others as well? In answer, the Vishnu Dharmottara states, "Those who claim to be devotees of Lord Vishnu, as well as those who worship Lord Siva, everyone must follow the Ekadasi fast." The Skanda Purana states, "Either one is a devotee of Lord Krsna, Lord Vishnu, Lord Siva, Skanda, Ganesha, Durga or Surya, everyone must fast on the Ekadasi day."

(The Sanskrit verses of the above quotes are available upon request.)

KAMADA EKADASI

The history of Kamada Ekadasi originates from the Varaha Purana, where Vasistha Muni narrates the history of a celestial singer named Lalita. He describes that Lalita was cursed by King Pundarika to become a cannibal and suffer on earth. But through the advice his wife received from the Sage
Sringi, he acquired the merits of Kamada Ekadasi and thus received liberation. This Ekadasi indicates that merits earned for following Ekadasi can be transferred to a loved one. The complete detail of this Ekadasi can be read in the book entitled, "Ekadasi, The Day of Lord Hari," written by His Grace Krsna Balaram Swamiji.

IMPORTANT QUOTES

One may ask, what if due to illness one is unable to observe the Ekadasi fast? To this the Vayu Purana states, "If, due to illness, one is genuinely unable to perform the Ekadasi fast, he or she should give charity to a traditional Brahmana with the request that he perform the Ekadasi fast on his/her behalf."

(The Sanskrit verses of the above quotes are available upon request.)

VARUTHINI EKADASI

This history is taken from the Bhavisya Uttara Purana where Lord Krsna tells Yudhisthira how one should be cautious of whom he gives charity. Only a traditionally born pure Brahmana is Scriptually allowed to accept charity. If someone gives charity indiscriminately, the result is unrewarding. As it is stated:

"If anyone is born in a low class family, even if they have converted to a devotional life, cannot accept charity. If by chance he accepts charity, he falls to hell, and the donor must follow him there."

This is scriptural evidence. The complete detail of this Ekadasi can be read in the book named "Ekadasi, The Day of Lord Hari," written by Mahant Krsna Balaram Swamiji.

IMPORTANT QUOTES

One may inquire, what if one needs medication on Ekadasi? To this the Tattvasagara states, "Medicine consumption does not break ones fast."

(The Sanskrit verses of the above quotes are available upon request.)

MOHINI EKADASI

The history of Mohini Ekadasi is found in the Kurma Purana where Lord Krsna speaks about the conversation which took place between Lord Rama and Vasistha Muni. Vasistha Muni stated to Lord Rama how the sinful Dhrstabuddhi received liberation by observing this Ekadasi. This history indicates how even by inattentively observing Ekadasi one can receive merit. The complete details of this Ekadasi can be read in our book entitled, "Ekadasi, The Day of Lord Hari," written by H.H. Krsna Balaram Swmaiji.

IMPORTANT QUOTES

Now one may ask, what should one do on Ekadasi after one passes the age of eighty? To this the Bodhayana Smruti states, "After the age of eighty, if one is unable to fast on Ekadasi, eating one normal meal in the afternoon of Ekadasi day is allowed."

(The Sanskrit verses of the above quotes are available upon request.)

APARA EKADASI

The narration of this Ekadasi is explained in the Brahmanda Purana where Lord Krsna speaks to King Yudhisthira in reference to the result one obtains by performing this Ekadasi. The rules one is to abide by while doing Ekadasi is stated in this chapter. The complete details of this Ekadasi can be read in our book entitled "Ekadasi, The Day of Lord Hari," written by H.H. Krsna Balaram Swamiji.

IMPORTANT QUOTES

It is stated in the Padma Purana, "If `Sraddha day' of one's parents falls on the Ekadasi day, it should be postponed to the next day (Dvadasi), because even the celestial beings (demigods) do not eat food grains on the Ekadasi day."

It is stated in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, "If someone performs `Sraddha' on the Ekadasi Day, the giver of the charity, the taker of the charity, and the deceased person for whom the charity is being given, all three degrade themselves."

(The Sanskrit verses of the above quotes are available upon request.)

NIRJALA EKADASI

This Ekadasi is narrated by Srila Vyasadeva to Bhimasena in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana. Among the Pandavas, Bhimasena was the voracious eater among them and could not follow the Ekadasi fast. When he learned that those who do not observe the Ekadasi incur sin, he wanted to know what he should do. Srila Vyasadeva explained Nirjala Ekadasi to him. The complete details of this Ekadasi can be read in our book entitled, "Ekadasi, The Day of Lord Hari," written by the H.H.Krsna Balaram Swamiji.

IMPORTANT QUOTES

It is stated in the Varaha Purana, "If someone becomes contaminated due to a death in the house, still one should perform the Ekadasi fast, after first taking a clean bath and paying homage to Lord Hari."

It stated in the Visnu Rahasya, "Even if one's home is contaminated by a new birth of a child, or a recent death of a relative, still the Ekadasi fast should be observed."

One may wonder what the result of observing Ekadasi is? To this Vasistha Muni states in the Naradiya Purana, "If Ekadasi is observed correctly while worshipping the Supreme Lord Sri Hari, the acquired sins of the follower's previous life get destroyed."

(The Sanskrit verses of the above quotes are available upon request.)

YOGINI EKADASI

The history of Yogini Ekadasi is found in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, where Lord Krsna tells Yudhisthira how Hemamali, a servant of Kuvera, became free from the curse of Kuvera. The complete details of this Ekadasi can be read in our book entitled, "Ekadasi, The Day of Lord Hari," written by H.H. Krsna Balaram Swamiji.

IMPORTANT QUOTES

The Brahma Vaivarta Purana states, "In this world there are only two concrete procedures for attaining liberation and atoning for one's sins. These two things are-- fasting on the Ekadasi days and chanting of the names of the Supreme Lord Sri Hari."

(The Sanskrit verses of the above quotes are available upon request.)

PADMA EKADASI

This chapter is quoted from the Bhavisya Uttara Purana where Lord Brahma explains to Narada how King Mandhata relieved his kingdom from trouble by fasting on Padma also known as Harishayani Ekadasi. It signifies that occurring troubles can be mitigated by properly fasting on Padma Ekadasi. The complete details of this Ekadasi can be read in our book entitled, "Ekadasi, The Day of Lord Hari," written by the H.H.Krsna Balaram Swamiji.

IMPORTANT QUOTES

The Supreme Lord is quoted in the Hari Bhakti Vilasa pertaining to the following Ekadasis, "What to speak of eating normal food containing grains, for those who are able to perform a dry fast, if they eat fruits or vegetables on Padma, Parivartini or Haribodhini Ekadasis, they degrade themselves."

(The Sanskrit verses of the above quotes are available upon request.)

KAMIKA EKADASI

This chapter is quoted from the Brahma Vaivarta Purana where Lord Brahma explains to Narada the importance of performing devotional service and worshipping Tulasi while performing the Kamika Ekadasi fast. The result of performing this Ekadasi is unlimited. The complete details of this Ekadasi can be read in our book entitled, "Ekadasi, The Day of Lord Hari," written by the Mahant Krsna Balaram Swamiji.

IMPORTANT QUOTES

Lord Siva tells Parvati the following in the Padma Purana, "If someone ignores the Ekadasi fast and instead observes other fasting days, he/she is liked to a person who reaches for mud, bypassing diamonds."

(The Sanskrit verses of the above quotes are available upon request.)

PUTRADA(2) EKADASI

This chapter is found in the Bhavisya Uttara Purana where Lord Krsna tells Yudhisthira how Lomasa Rishi told King Mahijit to fast on Putrada Ekadasi to mitigate the curse that had been put on him by a thirsty cow. The complete details of this Ekadasi can be read in our book entitled, "Ekadasi, The Day of Lord Hari," written by the His Holiness Krsna Balaram Swamiji.

IMPORTANT QUOTES

It is stated in the Skanda Purana, "If one puts the merits obtained from performing one Ekadasi fast on one side of a scale, and the merits obtained from performing all other fasts on the other side of the scale, the merit obtained from performing the Ekadasi fast will definitely be heavier."

The Visnu Purana states (also confirmed in the Hari Bhakti Vilasa), "Once the Supreme Lord Sri Hari placed the merits of all sacrifices on one side of a scale, and the merits obtained from performing the Ekadasi fast on the other side, the merit obtained from performing the Ekadasi fast were found to be heavier."

(The Sanskrit verses of the above quotes are available upon request.)

AJA EKADASI

The narration of this Ekadasi is found in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana where Gautama Muni tells King Harischandra to fast on Aja Ekadasi in order solve his problem. Sometimes envious people create problems for others on the devotional path, as was the case of King Harischandra, but by properly fasting on this Ekadasi, such situations can be peacefully eradicated. The complete details of this Ekadasi can be read in our book entitled, "Ekadasi, The Day of Lord Hari," written by the His Holiness Krsna Balaram Swamiji.

IMPORTANT QUOTES

There are many calendars distributed including the Ekadasi fast dates, and everyone claims their calendar is calculated correctly. Discovering that there are different dates on different calendars, one may ask, what is the proper way to determine the correct day to follow the Ekadasi fast? In answer to this question, the Siva Purana states, "There are two categories of overlapping days which help to determine the proper fasting day--Ekadasi mixed with previous days (the Dasami tithi), and--Ekadasi mixed with the next day (the Dvadasi tithi). The later day (Ekadasi mixed with Dvadasi) must be accepted for fasting."

Srila Sanatana Goswami states in the Digdarsini Tika (20.203), "Ekadasi mixed with the previous day destroys the merits earned by the observer."

We calculate intricate tithi details by following the ancient Vedic scriptures and by using age old traditional Vedic astrology. We are systematically educated in this science since childhood.

(The Sanskrit verses of the above quotes are available upon request.)

PARIVARTINI EKADASI

This Ekadasi chapter is found in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana where Lord Krsna tells Yudhisthira how Lord Vishnu rests on the serpent, Sesha, in the Milk Ocean, and while asleep on this day that He turns over from sleeping on one side to His other. There is a history in this chapter referencing Lord Vamanadeva punishing King Bali Maharaja. The complete details of this Ekadasi can be read in our book entitled "Ekadasi, The Day of Lord Hari," written by the H.H.Krsna Balaram Swami.

IMPORTANT QUOTES

The Supreme Lord is quoted in the Hari Bhakti Vilasa, "What to speak of eating normal food containing grains, for those who are able to perform a dry fast, if they eat fruits or vegetables on Padma, Parivartini or Haribodhini Ekadasis, they degrade themselves."

(The Sanskrit verses of the above quotes are available upon request.)

INDIRA EKADASI

This chapter is found in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana where Narada Muni tells King Indrasena to perform Indira Ekadasi so his suffering father can be released from hell. Fasting on Ekadasi does not only benefit the performer, it also helps one's relatives who may be suffering in hell. The complete details of this Ekadasi can be read in our book entitled, "Ekadasi, The Day of Lord Hari," written by the H.H.Krsna Balaram Swami.

IMPORTANT QUOTES

The Visnu Dharmottar states, "One should fast on Ekadasi mixed with Dvadasi, but never fast on Ekadasi mixed with Dasami." Following this rule we astrologically calculate the Ekadasi fasting days. Sometimes it is seen that many Vaisnava calendars differ with our dates because others do not measure their calculation with established Vedic scriptures. Because of the consequence of incurring sin rather than merit from performing Ekadasi on an incorrect day, we say that calculating the correct date is more important than the fasting itself.

(The Sanskrit verses of the above quotes are available upon request.)

PAPANKUSA EKADASI

This chapter is found in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana where Lord Krsna speaks very important points about how to observe Ekadasi and what merit one obtains by doing so. The main condition in performing the Ekadasi fast is following the correct date. The complete details of this Ekadasi can be read in our book entitled "Ekadasi, The Day of Lord Hari," written by the H.H.Krsna Balaram Swami.

IMPORTANT QUOTES

It is stated in the Naradiya Purana, "Due to illusion (or being proud), if someone fasts on an incorrect date, rather than gaining merits, one looses merits, looses health, and family members."

The Brahma Purana states, Once Dhrtarastra asked Maitreya Muni why all his sons were dead, to which Maitreya Muni replied, "You, together with your wife, had observed an Ekadasi fast on an incorrect day, that is why not even one of your sons remained alive."

The Brahma Purana states, "When Lord Rama vanished Goddess Sita, She lived in the Ashram of Valmiki Muni. While living there, She asked Valmiki, 'O sage! I am completely pure and devoted to Lord Rama, Why am I suffering?' To this Valmiki meditated deeply on the topic and said, 'You had previously observed an Ekadasi fast on an incorrect day, that is why Your suffering has occurred.'"

In Satyayuga Queen Saivya, the wife of King Hariscandra, asked Vasistha Muni the cause of her suffering. To this Vasistha Muni replied, "Your suffering from separation from your son and husband is due to your observing an Ekadasi fast on an incorrect date." He further said, "Anyone who fasts on Ekadasi mixed with Dasami will surely loose their family members and fall down from their position."

(The Sanskrit verses of the above quotes are available upon request.)

RAMA EKADASI

The history of this Ekadasi is found in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana where Lord Krsna tells King Yudhisthira about the history of Chandrabhaga and her deceased husband Shobhana. How Chandrabhaga could transfer the merits of her Ekadasi fast to her husband is stated in this chapter. The complete detail of this Ekadasi can be read in our book entitled, "Ekadasi, The Day of Lord Hari," written by Mahant Krsna Balaram Swamiji.

IMPORTANT QUOTES

The Brahma Vaivarta Purana states, "Just as a pot of Ganges water is rejected if a drop of wine falls in it, similarly an Ekadasi date should be rejected if it is tinged with Dasami." It is stated in the Skanda Purana, "Anyone who indicates or suggests to follow the Ekadasi on an incorrect date is certainly bewildered by the illusion created by Sukracharya." This is confirmed by Lord Siva, speaking to Parvati in the Skanda Purana thus, "O Devi, Whoever fasts on an incorrect date for Ekadasi (Ekadasi mixed with Dasami), he or she is asking for degradation."

When the Lord in His Varaha form was fighting with the Demon Hiranyaksa and found the demon undefeatable, the Lord told Brahma the following as stated in the Padma Purana, "O Brahma, being influenced by illusion created by Sukracharya, the Brahmanas have fasted on an incorrect date for Ekadasi. That is why the demon has become more powerful." He further said, "Anyone who fasts on an incorrect date for Ekadasi increases demoniac influences. As long as one fasts on a wrong date of Ekadasi he undoubtedly gives his spiritual potency to demons and obtains their negative potency in return." When, by the advice of Lord Brahma, all the sages and Brahmanas observed proper Ekadasi days, then only the demon Hiranyaksa was killed. The readers are advised to study our book, "The Vaisnava Kantha Hara" in which we have vividly described how to decide which is the correct fasting day.

(The Sanskrit verses of the above quotes are available upon request.)

HARIBODHINI EKADASI

This chapter is narrated by Lord Brahma to his son Narada in the Skanda Purana, where Lord Brahma tells how Lord Visnu and other demigods get up on this day. Kartika month ends on this day. The complete details of this Ekadasi can be read in our book entitled,"Ekadasi, The Day of Lord Hari," written by Mahant Krsna Balaram Swamiji.

IMPORTANT QUOTES

One may ask what rules to follow on Ekadasi day? In answer to this, the Hari Bhakti Vilasa states,"Beginning from the day before Ekadasi till one day after Ekadasi, one should avoid every category of sex, avoid bleeding inside the mouth, sleeping in the day time, and activities which are forbidden by the scriptures." To this one may ask, what activities must be done on Ekadasi day? To this the Hari Bhakti Vilasa states, "Worshipping the Lord, chanting His names, studying those scriptures which glorify Lord Hari, and speaking the truth, are the main activities to be done on Ekadasi."

One should avoid bleeding in the mouth the day before, the day of, and the day after a fasting day. Because brushing one's teeth with a toothbrush may cause bleeding in the mouth, it is advised to clean one's teeth by applying toothpaste with one's finger on these days.

(The Sanskrit verses of the above quotes are available upon request.)

PADMINI EKADASI

In this chapter Lord Krsna describes the rules and regulations, as well as the benefits regarding the Ekadasi to Yudhisthira. Lord Krsna also narrates about the history of Kartaviryarjuna's mother Padmini, which Pulastya muni recites to Narada. This Ekadasi appears on the extra month of every leap year, and hence very special. Whoever observes this Ekadasi will have all his desires fulfilled and surely attain to the spiritual abode of Krsna. The complete details of this Ekadasi can be read in our book entitled, "Ekadasi, The Day of Lord Hari," written by His Holiness Krsna Balaram Swami.

IMPORTANT QUOTES

According to the scriptures, "On fast days one should avoid sea salt because Agastya muni once drank the ocean and passed it out as urine."

(The Sanskrit verses of the above quotes are available upon request.)

PARAMA EKADASI

Like padmini Ekadasi this Ekadasi also appears on the extra month of every leap year. Fasting on this Ekadasi bestows the great benediction of an enjoyable life and ultimate liberation from birth and death, nullifies all kinds of sins and removes all miseries caused by poverty. The history of a brahmana Sumedha and his wife Pavitra is narrated by Lord Krsna to Yudhisthira.

SRI KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI

All Vedic festivals, like Ekadasi and the Lord's appearance days, are equally powerful to reward liberation to the observer. Of these holy days, Hindu devotees observe Janmastami (appearance day of Lord Krsna) throughout India and abroad on a grand scale. Vaisnavas not only observe the festival, but also fast as per the rules of Vedic Scriptures. The Scriptures state that fasting from grains and beans for Lord Krsna is the best way to welcome the Lord to this world. That is why the Lord's devotees fast on Janmastami day. Although it is very auspicious to celebrate Lord Krsna's appearance, it is best to observe it as directed by the Lord.

Following scriptural injunctions in good faith rewards the desired result, but due to Kaliyuga (age of hypocrisy), it is not uncommon to find people replacing the Lord's direction with their own personal whim, thereby misleading innocent seekers of the truth. For example, the scriptures state fasting from all grains and beans on Janmastami should be followed the same way one follows Ekadasi. Srila Sanatana Goswami supports this statement in his Digdarshini Tika where he states, "Just as one follows the rules of fasting on each Ekadasi, the same rules should be followed for fasting on Janmastami."

In the Bhavisya Uttara Purana, Vyasadeva quotes Lord Krsna instructing King Yudhisthira thus, "Everyone past the age of eight, whether they be Brahmana, Ksatriya, Vaisya, Sudra, woman, widow, or following a different faith, have to fast on My appearance day."

The Skanda Purana states, "All sages and saintly kings like King Prahlada have fasted on Lord Krsna's appearance day, year after year."

The Agni Purana states, "When the Rohini constellation was present on Janmastami day, all learned sages from the time of Satyayuga, Tretayuga and Dvaparayuga, had fasted on Janamastami day to please Lord Krsna."

In the Brahma Purana it is stated, "For those who properly fast on the correct Janmastami day, Kaliyuga cannot influence them."

In order to please Lord Krsna, one must fast from grains and beans throughout the entire day and night of Janmastami, until the proper break-fast time arrives. Only then one should accept prasad consisting of grains and beans. As stated by Lord Brahma in the Brahma Purana, "When the Janmastami tithi and its Rohini Naksatra ends (next morning), then only one should consume grains to break the fast."

The Yagnavalkya Smruti supports Lord Brahma's statement, stating the following, "Only when both--the tithi and the--Naksatra timings of Janmastami have ended, then only one should break ones fast. There is no other way than this."

In the Vayu Purana it is stated, "If one desires to become free from all sin, he or she should accept some rice Mahaprasada of Lord Jagannatha (or other grains of Mahaprasadam) on the day after Janmastami day."

Unaware of the proper Scriptural injunctions, some devotees only fast until midnight, bathe the Deity, and then enjoy a feast including grains. Breaking the fast at an inopportune time not only diminishes merit earned, but also leads to degradation. As Lord Brahma instructs Narada in the Visnu Rahasya, "Anyone who eats grains on Janmastami day becomes filled with all categories of sin performed in the three worlds, and takes birth as a snake in the forest. Therefore, one should break-fast when the Janmastami tithi has ended (the following morning)."

The Janmastami date listed in our Calendar, as all other festival dates, is accurately calculated. These dates cannot be refuted using Vedic evidence under any circumstance. Following scriptural evidence is following Lord Krsna's desire, and in all respects guarantees one's everlasting spiritual bliss.

More info info@krsna.org

Benifits of Ekadasi

"If a person fasts on Ekadasi, I will burn up all his sins and bestow upon him My transcendental abode....Indeed, Ekadasi is the most meritorious day for destroying all kinds of sins, and it has appeared in order to benefit everyone."

Lord Krsna to Arjuna

These and other quotes from the scriptures can be found in our Ekadasi book
in our Books section.